The Stray Souls ["The Diary Keeper" Sequel; "The Dark Legacies" Series]

Chapter 1: Clues served with espresso

Liandra's POV

I groaned as the blaring alarm clock yanked me out of dreamland at 7 AM. With a heavy sigh, I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and remembered-it's my first day working at the café "Cozy Cove" in Ravenwood. Saturdays, the day I transformed from a high school student into a weekend waitress.

My tired limbs protested, but I clambered out of bed with a burst of motivation. After all, this café belonged to Martin's parents, and he had pulled some strings to get me this gig. It was time to make him proud and prove that I could gracefully balance trays and charming smiles. With a quick breakfast and an extra shot of espresso, I was ready to face the caffeinated chaos of my very first day on the job.

I remember Martin telling me how his parents had dreamt of opening a cafe for as long as he could remember. It was a dream nurtured over the years, a vision that took root in their hearts. They had always envisioned a cozy space where people could come together, share stories, and enjoy comforting drinks and pastries.

However, life had a way of keeping them busy with other pursuits until recently. It was only now, after much planning and hard work, that Martin's parents had finally realized their dream and brought "Cozy Cove" cafe to life.

Of course, I agreed to work at my relatives' establishment. It's a good way to earn some money and gain approval within the family. While they've never been stingy with money for me, approval wasn't something I received too often...

***
The interior is a haven of wood and coziness. The walls are adorned with rustic wooden panels, and the wooden tables and chairs add to the earthy charm. It's the kind of place that makes you want to curl up with a good book or spend hours chatting with friends.

The lighting is soft and inviting here, casting a warm glow that makes you instantly relax. There's a faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the air, and it's like a comforting embrace for your senses. This cafe is the definition of "cozy" - it's where you go when you need a little escape from the outside world, a place that makes you feel right at home.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee and the soft hum of conversation filled the air. I had a white apron tied around my waist and a small notepad ready to take orders. My gaze swept over the scattered tables with empty chairs, waiting to be occupied by the early risers.

My first day was filled with a mix of challenging moments, like balancing multiple trays, and pleasant surprises, like sharing smiles with customers. I learned that being a waitress required not just physical agility but also a knack for making people feel welcome.

And even though eavesdropping on other people's conversations is impolite, and time was of the essence, I still managed to overhear one intriguing conversation... One that, most likely, was rather important.

Two young guys, slightly older than me, were sipping coffee at a table not far from the staff room. I didn't know them personally, just by sight - after all, in small towns, everyone recognizes each other by appearance.

"Some foolishness, I don't believe in all these fantasies."

"Why would people lie? Something really did happen. There's no smoke without fire."

"Do you seriously think that guy saw a ghost? He could have been scared of anything. After all, the heart stops not just from fear."

"He wasn't the only one who saw the ghost. There were witnesses."

"Don't tease me! If I drink enough whiskey, I'll start seeing not only ghosts but all supernatural creatures as well."

"Don't interrupt me! Old Frank told me personally that he saw it. They questioned him at the police station. And he's my close relative, he wouldn't lie to me."

"Don't make things up! Everyone knows that Old Frank is ready to give any testimony for a nice bribe, even if it's devoid of a speck of common sense. The police most likely bribed him, and he blabbered..."

They argued for a while, and I couldn't focus on my work for a long time. Ghosts? Death from fear? Police? What nonsense. Only sorcerers can see ghosts. No matter what those guys were talking about, such things couldn't have happened among ordinary people.

***
So, after my first ever shift at "Cozy Cove" cafe, I trudged back home. I was exhausted but with a big goofy smile plastered across my face. The whole waitress gig was pretty exhausting, but there was something oddly satisfying about it. Maybe it was the smell of freshly brewed coffee, or the friendly chit-chat with customers. I guess I was starting to like it.

But as I entered my place, I couldn't help but notice a bunch of suitcases just chilling in the living room. Like, someone had clearly moved in. At first, I thought I was seeing things, but nope, those suitcases were real. New roomie in town, I guess?

"Liandra, my dear!" Female voice suddenly echoed through the whole corridor.

"Grandma Millie!?"